Ancient Greek Computer? Scientists Are Intrigued By Discovery

As the years go by, society has become increasingly innovative in technology, and today computers and cell phones are available to a large part of the population. In addition, we value technological advancement, so we also analyze ancient methods of innovation through the study of history.

Although the methods used by the Egyptians to build pyramids may be shocking, modern humanity never imagined that some societies could be more than a thousand years ahead of their time. That’s why scientists were perplexed to discover a kind of computer over 2 thousand years old.

Scientists put pieces together and discover a computer that is over 2,000 years old

Discovered in a Greek shipwreck in 1901, the “Antikythera Mechanism” is one of humanity’s greatest mysteries. It has been dubbed the first known computer and functioned as an extremely advanced astronomical calendar for its time.

Its reconstruction was only carried out in 2021, in a study with 3D modeling and x-ray reading of 82 fragments and 30 corroded gears.

Unfortunately, these pieces only amount to a third of what the actual equipment was. Furthermore, the research conducted by scientists at University College London covers all the evidence collected and analyzed so far.

How did the device work?

As mentioned, the machine was a kind of astronomical calendar, capable of accurately calculating planetary cycles. It could track the phases of the Moon, as well as the movement of the Sun and the planets.

Although the misinterpretation and belief that the universe revolved around the Earth remained alive, technology was the most advanced thing done in the next thousand years after its creation.

The gears discovered worked in a way that was very similar to modern clocks, something very complex, but possible with the theoretical and mathematical knowledge of the time. Now, researchers are trying to create a physical version of the device and actually test its functionality.